The three we chose are "The Climax Bar" on Walking Street, "The Blues Factory" on Soi Lucky Star and "Lam Morrisons Rock Club" in the Soi Marine Plaza.
First off we called into "The Climax Bar". Being right beneath the huge "Polo Entertainment Venue", "The Climax Bar" is pretty hard to miss as you stroll along Walking Street. Though it looks pretty small from the outside, it is 'tardis-like' once you enter, with the band set up to the right and the best seating to the left.
Further back into the bar though, there are pool tables and extra seating ...... though sadly with no view of the stage area.
The club is well air-conditioned and the seating is comfortable. We sat immediately facing the stage as from certain other positions, the view is effected by pillars.
Drinks prices are very good, with Gin & Tonic being only 85 baht.
The band was in full flow as we took our seats and giving a 'steller' performance of "stairway to heaven". This was the 'full' version and I can honestly say that it was played to perfection. This being one of the classic songs from my teenage years, many was the times I listened to this song on 'repeat' through headphones in my bedroom ...... I know what it sounds like ...... the Climax Bands version was extremely accurate, but with just the right amount of 'flair' being shown by the 'lead guitarist', 'Peit'.
'Toy', Bass Guitar and Vocals.
Whilst we could quite happily stayed at "The Climax Bar" , we really did want to visit The Blues Factory and "Lam Morrisons Rock Club" in order to get a good comparison of the three.
We finished our drinks and left a 100 baht tip for the band on the way out. Money well spent.
Only a short walk away on Soi Lucky Star we find "The Blues Factory" which shares an entrance with the infamous JP Bar. However, since the JP Bar doesn't really get going till around 4 or 5am access to "The Blues Factory" is unrescrited.
Entering into "The Blues Factory" you access a dimly lit and very 'moody' area. The Stage is the centre of attention, as it should be and all seats have a very good view of it.
We sat in the only free area, on the left hand side of the stage. Friday nights is apparently Ladies Night and the place was pretty busy with a mixture of Farang couples and escorted Farangs.
At the time we entered though, the seemed to be in the middle of a 'raffle' of sorts. Everytime you buy a drink you are given a 'ticket' and during the natural 'breaks', numbers are called out and the 'winners' receive cuddly toys and other 'rewards'.
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